US to Impose Tariffs of Up to 3,521% on Southeast Asian Solar Panel Imports – [your]NEWS

By Blessing Nweke

The US Commerce Department has unveiled plans to impose steep tariffs — as high as 3,521% — on solar panel imports from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The move follows a year-long investigation prompted by US manufacturers urging the Biden administration to address alleged unfair trade practices.

The probe found evidence of subsidies from China and the dumping of underpriced products into the US market, a practice that officials say has harmed domestic solar manufacturing. The tariffs, known as countervailing and anti-dumping duties, will vary by company and country.

Cambodia-based exporters, accused of non-cooperation, face the highest duties. Meanwhile, Malaysia-based units of China’s Jinko Solar face some of the lowest, at just over 41%. Trina Solar, another major Chinese company producing in Thailand, is set to face tariffs of 375%.

The final decision on the tariffs lies with the International Trade Commission, which is expected to deliver its ruling in June.

Tim Brightbill, lead counsel to the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, hailed the announcement, calling it a “decisive victory” for US manufacturing. “Chinese-headquartered solar companies have been cheating the system,” he said.

In 2023, the US imported nearly $12 billion in solar equipment from the four Southeast Asian nations. While the tariffs aim to bolster American manufacturers, they are expected to drive up costs for solar installers and consumers.

The announcement comes shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping toured Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia in a show of regional solidarity, criticizing US trade policy as “unilateral bullying.” In response to prior US tariffs, China has imposed levies of up to 125% on American goods.

Nweke Blessing is a graduate of the English language with over 3 years of experience in news writing, copywriting, content, and technical writing. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of yourNEWS. (Note: Articles may not be original content. Reference byline for original source.)

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